Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Pittsburgh, PA (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76

Mesa is 41% more expensive than Pittsburgh.

$1,478/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 17%
$78,779/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$64,137/yr ↓ 19%
$364,300 ↑ 89%
Home Value
$193,200 ↓ 47%
$1,404/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,136/mo ↓ 19%
507,478
Population
303,620

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
3.07%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Pittsburgh, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $257/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $3,084/year.

Median household income is $14,642/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $193,200 in Pittsburgh.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Pittsburgh — common questions

Is Mesa or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Pittsburgh?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Pittsburgh it's $1,221/month — a difference of $257/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Pittsburgh?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $64,137 in Pittsburgh. Median household income is $14,642/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Pennsylvania?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Pittsburgh?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Pittsburgh details →

More Comparisons

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